Putin will go to any lengths: Expert warns of strikes on EU and Belarusian front

Escalation in Europe is directly linked to the situation in Ukraine. Amid mounting difficulties in Donbas, Russia may activate the Belarusian axis—where infrastructure preparations are already being observed. EU facilities, particularly in Germany and Poland, could face direct Russian strikes.

International policy analyst Oleksandr Kolesnichenko expressed this opinion on the Kyiv24 TV channel.

Russian strikes on Europe

"They are gathering data. Firstly, sabotage is clearly ongoing, but this isn't happening for no reason. When Russia realizes that this is not working the way it wants, I personally expect direct strikes," the expert stated.

He noted that he does not rule out further escalation by the Kremlin and is convinced that Russian president Vladimir Putin may take harsher steps. At the same time, according to Kolesnichenko, much will depend on the development of the situation in Ukraine.

“For direct strikes against Europe, against European enterprises in Germany and Poland, we need to look at the situation in Ukraine. As I see it, since Putin cannot take the fortification belt in Donbas, he may activate the Belarusian front. But that is a truly dangerous scenario," the analyst warned.

The threat from Belarus

Kolesnichenko also drew attention to active infrastructure construction in Belarus, which may indicate preparations for a possible offensive.

"I believe we are heading towards this, because roads are not being built there for no reason; clearly, artillery positions are not being built for no reason either. This is offensive infrastructure. While Ukraine builds fortifications, Belarus builds roads," Kolesnichenko said.

According to the analyst, the current situation may lead to a further deterioration of the security environment in Europe.

"Evidently, everything is "on the table." Millions are not spent for nothing by either side. Escalation will occur, and when Russia realizes that merely conducting sabotage in Europe is not working, direct strikes will follow," the expert believes.

At the same time, he suggested that such events could influence political processes in European countries, specifically strengthening the positions of right-wing populist forces. As an example, Kolesnichenko cited the Reform UK party in Great Britain, which received significant support in local elections.

“In my view, the situation will continue to escalate. And to prevent that from happening, something must be done. But what exactly should be done is the big question — how to stop the escalation,” the analyst concluded.

Notably, on the night of May 13, Vilnius Airport suspended operations for an hour due to a hybrid attack from Belarus. Objects resembling weather balloons were detected in the airspace, forcing one flight to be canceled and another diverted to Copenhagen.